The Newsletter of Step Up For Students

WINTER 2018 Vol. 1 investEDSPRING 2017 Breakthru Beverage Florida donates $45 million to Step Up For Students for scholarships serving lower-income Florida families BY PAUL SOOST

Breakthru Beverage Florida, one of look forward to a long relationship with Step Up For the largest distributors of wines, Students.” spirits and non-alcoholic beverages This is the seventh consecutive year Breakthru in the state, announced Jan. 19 its Beverage Florida has contributed to the nonprofit contribution of $45 million to the Step organization that administers the Florida Tax Credit B Up For Students Scholarship Program. Scholarship Program for financially disadvantaged Breakthru’s donation is funding more than schoolchildren. The program is funded with 6,880 K-12 scholarships for lower-income Florida tax-credited donations and allows parents and schoolchildren for the 2017-18 school year. schoolchildren to choose between a K-12 scholarship Since 2011, Breakthru Beverage has contributed that helps with private school tuition and fees, or one more than $254 million, providing more than 45,600 that assists with transportation costs to out-of-county scholarships. public schools. “Communities thrive when we all do our part and “Thanks to the support and generosity of our work together. Breakthru Beverage is proud to support donors, Step Up For Students is helping parents find Step Up For Students and give Florida students an the best learning environment for their children that Eric Pfeil, executive vice president of Breakthru Beverage Florida, left, shakes the hand of PenTab opportunity to reach their highest potential,” said Eric they otherwise couldn’t afford,” said Doug Tuthill, Academy fourth-grader Taneisha Micelus, along with Principal Barbara Sharpe at the school in Pfeil, executive vice president of Breakthru Beverage president of Step Up For Students. “On behalf of Miami. Teneisha was presenting Pfeil with thank-you notes from Step Up For Students scholars Florida. “We’re confident these students will aim high during an event celebrating Breakthru’s $45 million donation for 2017-18 and more than $254 and will be future leaders in our community. We CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 million in contributions since 2011. Seton Strong: Finding the normal after Hurricane Irma BY DAVID TUTHILL

Maria Niebuhr, first year princi- Maria Crowley has been teaching at Seton for 28 pal of St. Elizabeth Seton Cath- years. Her kindergarten classroom is lined with the olic School in Naples, Florida, black plastic. Underneath her desk, a large chunk sits behind her desk in an of- of concrete is missing. fice filled with boxes stacked on When Irma was bearing down, Crowley was boxes,M placed on a floor stripped away to bare ready. She stored things out of reach of the flood- concrete. ing. When the rain stopped and the wind passed, As she holds two pictures showing the she showed up to sweep water out of her room. $1 million in damages the school sustained from “I just fear what happens if we have another hur- Hurricane Irma, the sound of a screw gun pierces ricane,” Crowley says. “But we’ll do what we have the air as it’s drilled into a nearby wall. to do.” This is the new normal for St. Elizabeth Seton. In Seton’s main building that houses pre-K3 Clockwise, Maria Niebuhr, first year The pre-K3 through eighth-grade school lost through fifth grade, as well as the media center, ev- principal of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic power for two weeks during the storm and was erything had to be moved out, boxed up, put into School in Naples, Florida, said dealing forced to remain closed for three and a half weeks, the gymnasium and manually scrubbed down be- with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma longer than every other school under the Diocese fore being brought back inside. has been stressful, but the school’s of Venice. The damage is extensive. Every classroom spirit cannot be broken. Seventh- Of the school’s 202 students, more than 70 stu- needs a combination of new ceilings, drywall grader Adaora Obidiegwu, 12, far dents are on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and lighting fixtures. Outdoor bulletin board right, said Irma was the first hurricane Program for lower-income families. glass casings went flying during the storm, nev- she has experienced. Her family lost Students young enough to enjoy a daily nap er to return. In the school’s courtyard, old bricks power for about three weeks. Annabel must do so on blankets placed on bare concrete. that once surrounded a statue of St. Elizabeth Krystaszek, an 8-year-old third-grader, Black plastic has been placed over areas where the Ann Seton were rearranged by Mother Nature, said it “felt weird being out of school” drywall was ruined. In several classrooms, entire while the statue was moved by work crews. after Hurricane Irma hit. walls are covered with it. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Options on the rise: 1.7 million Florida students choose BY PATRICK R. GIBBONS

Florida’s public schools are enrolled in educational options outside their Open enrollment policies that let families the FTC and Gardiner programs. About 99 growing. And educational neighborhood district school. That number choose among neighborhood schools are percent of students on the two programs are options are growing faster. has increased more than 207,000 over the last right behind them, with charter schools enrolled in private schools through Step Up. Public schools added more five years and now accounts for 46 percent of gaining fast. There was one methodology change this than 16,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 students. Private school choice programs like the year: The state also counts 3,835 charter pre-KF through 12 in the 2016-17 school year. Like its predecessors, this year’s report Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and school students among those who attend A new analysis by Step Up For Students, shows how choice has rapidly become Gardiner Scholarship program saw the university lab schools. We elected to count using data from the Florida Department of the norm in Florida. The growth of some largest enrollment growth. They grew by these students under lab schools, rather than Education, shows the state’s full spectrum of options may be spurring school districts to 26 percent and 64 percent, respectively. charter schools. school choice options added 43,000 students offer more. The number of private school students This change is reflected in the Changing that school year. The three most widely used school choice not using scholarships or vouchers to pay Landscapes infographic below, to note that The annual “Education Changingoptions remain public schools. District tuition increased by just 1,927 students, or Florida Atlantic University and Florida Landscapes” document shows nearly 1.7 magnet and specialty programs hold the 0.8 percent. State University both enroll charter school million pre-K through 12 students in Florida top spot, with just shy of 300,000 students. Step Up For Students helps administer both students in their lab schools.

KEY FINDINGS THETHE FLORIDA FLORIDA PRE-K-12PRE K-12 EDUCEDUCATIONATION LAN LANDSCAPEDSCAPE

BIOL P S Y ENGLISH CHO L HI S

OG T O G O R

Y Y 46.4 percent of pre-K-12 students in Y ALGEBRA Florida attend a school of choice.

1.7 MILLION STUDENTS CHOOSE School choice is now mainstream. Of Florida’s 3.7 million PreK-12 students, 46 percent 39 percent of all K-12 students attended a school of their choice during the 2016-17 school year. receiving public funds or scholarships attend a school of choice. 299,999 287,227 279,920 in Choice and Magnet in Open Enrollment in 52 school districts in 654 Charter Schools privately programs at 1,712 operated under contract with districts district schools

Total pre-K-12 public school enrollment increased by 16,049, or 0.5 percent. 237,886 139,757 134,948 98,936 in Private Schools in Career and Professional in private PreKindergarten in Tax Credit Scholarships paying on their own Academies at 458 high schools Scholarships for 4-year-olds for low-income students at 1,733 private schools

HISTORY B SCIENCE

PHYSICS ENGLISH ALGEBRA A C D Total pre-K-12 school choice enrollment increased by 43,690, or 1.3 percent. 87,462 43,619 35,968 15,482 in Home Education in Advanced in McKay Scholarships in full-time Virtual Instruction while reporting results International for special-needs students to districts Certificate (31,499 in private schools programs for and 4,469 in 11th and 12th district schools) graders Largest growth rates: Gardiner Scholarships (64 percent), tax credit scholarships (26 percent) and Advanced 14,004 8,056 7,398 3,717 International Certificate of in International in Gardiner in Lab Schools and Lab in School Transfers related to state Education (25 percent). Baccalaureate Scholarships for Charter Schools run by five or federal performance thresholds at district schools special-needs universities students

Programs with declines: Full-time = 1,694,379 STUDENTS AT SCHOOLS OF THEIR CHOICE virtual school (-5.5 percent), Voluntary Source | 2016-17 Florida Department of Education data pre-K (-1.3 percent), and International 2 Baccalaureate programs (-0.3 percent). LEGOLAND Florida building relationships brick by brick BY LISA A. DAVIS The key to a successful programs that educate, entertain and engage relationship is creating a solid kids while having fun. foundation, and then brick by “They blend storytelling with core brick it grows and strengthens. educational concepts in ways that bring the Just like it did building its material alive through the skills of our ‘edu- T theme park, LEGOLAND® Florida tainers.’ We believe that education in the Resort has been fostering relationships in the STEM fields is critical to society’s growth community in which it does business and and success.” beyond, including – and primarily – with As well as educating and entertaining children. children, the popular vacation destination “Our resort is built for kids,” said David has been a solid contributor to Florida’s Brady, LEGOLAND Florida Resort senior economy since it opened about six years ago. public relations manager. “Children are “Our biggest accomplishment has been the heart of everything we do, and it’s the the creation of more than 2,000 peak-season Step Up For Students and EverBank, a division of TIAA, FSB, celebrated EverBank’s support of the Florida Tax Credit mission of every one of our ‘Model Citizens’ jobs here in Winter Haven, and, as of our Scholarship Program at St. Matthew’s Catholic School in Jacksonville on Jan. 25. EverBank’s donation of $1.5 million will (employees) to put a smile on the face of first five years, nearly $1 billion in estimated fund about 229 scholarships for the 2017-18 school year. Pictured back row from left to right, Step Up Chief Financial a child no matter what their role may be, economic impact according to a study we Officer Joe Pfountz, St. Matthew’s Principal Kathy Tuerk, Step Up Development Officer Renae Sweeney and TIAA, FSB, whether interacting directly with guests or in commissioned. With the closure of what Vice President and CRA Officer Joseph Hernandez. a back-of-house capacity. was known as Cypress Gardens “With that in mind, we want to ensure Adventure Park in 2009, that our philanthropic efforts beyond our after more than 70 years walls are aimed at improving the lives of of nearly continuous EverBank inspires hope for Florida children, giving them reasons to smile. And operation, many people DONOR that dovetails nicely with what Step Up For likely thought those jobs schoolchildren through $1.5 million Students does.” were lost for good.” CORNER Located in Winter Haven about 50 miles east of Tampa at the site of the old Cypress contribution to the Step Up program Gardens Adventure Park, LEGOLAND first partnered with Step Up For Students in 2016 BY PAUL SOOST and has increased its 2017 commitment by 250 percent with $250,000. That will provide EverBank, a division of The announcement was made at St. about 36 lower-income students with a TIAA, FSB, announced a Matthew’s Catholic School in Jacksonville, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship through Step $1.5 million contribution which serves pre-K through eighth-grade Up For Students. to the Step Up For Students students. Nearly 40 percent of its 225 students “Our hope is that through our Scholarship Program. The use Step Up For Student scholarships. partnership, we’re able to brighten the lives E of children and make a real impact on their donation will fund about 229 scholarships The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship for the 2017-18 school year. Program for financially disadvantaged futures,” Brady said. This marks the 14th year EverBank has Florida schoolchildren is funded by LEGOLAND’s philanthropic philosophy supported the scholarship program. Since corporations with tax-credited donations. of “Children are our primary concern,” teaming with Step Up in 2004, the company It allows parents and students to choose and work with nonprofits whose goals are has contributed more than $14.5 million, between a K-12 scholarship to support “academically, imaginatively and creatively the equivalent of 3,050 scholarships. private school tuition and fees, or one enrich children’s lives” truly fits well with “EverBank is proud to support the that assists with transportation costs to Step Up’s mission of providing educational dedicated work of Step Up For Students out-of-county public schools. options for disadvantaged children. through our contributions to the scholarship “EverBank has been a longtime supporter “We are really excited about this program. Providing opportunities for lower- of Step Up For Students in providing options partnership with LEGOLAND Florida income Florida families to find the right for lower-income Florida families to find the Resort,” said Step Up President Doug Tuthill. learning environment for their children will environment that best meets their child’s “What kid didn’t grow up loving LEGO® sets? To have this park in our backyard and be able lead to avenues to a brighter tomorrow,” learning needs. We appreciate and applaud to work with them in supporting Florida’s Fun fact about LEGOLAND said TIAA, FSB, Vice President and CRA their commitment and contributions,” said children is a great match. We are very grateful Florida: In Fun Town, outside Officer Joseph Hernandez “We believe this Step Up For Students President Doug Tuthill. for their renewed commitment to giving kids relationship will continue our efforts to “On behalf of Step Up and the students Minifigure Market, there’s who need it most a chance to succeed.” inspire hope and empower change in the participating in our program, we thank a giant LEGO model of a While LEGOLAND is indeed a theme communities in which we work and live.” EverBank for their generosity.” seated man who appears park, it is also a place of learning, one that teaches children valuable lessons without to be asleep. He’s been them necessarily realizing it. in thousands of guests’ The park offers Bricktastic STEM photos over the years. He Companies: Claim your tax credit Educational Experiences. Creative and was actually made in the If your company has enrolled in the Step Up For Students Scholarship engaging play has been at the heart of the likeness of Peter Eio, former LEGO brand since the company started Program this year and has not yet notified us, please let us know so that in 1932, and play has the powerful ability president of LEGO Systems, we can extend our gratitude to you and assist your company with taking to develop children’s social, emotional Inc. The design was created the necessary steps to receive your tax credits, including the required and cognitive skills,” Brady said. “By upon his retirement in 2001 certificate of contribution for your tax returns. If your company has not combining the creativity of the LEGO and has been duplicated at yet notified us of your pledge, please do so by emailing Tim Bodamer at brand with standards-based STEM (science, LEGO and LEGOLAND sites [email protected]. technology, engineering and mathematics), we’re able to offer educational experiences around the world. unlike anything available elsewhere. They’re 3 1901 Ulmerton Road, #180, Clearwater, FL 33762

BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE FROM PAGE 1 SETON SCHOOL FROM PAGE1 Niebuhr says she still is still dealing with leaks nearly Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton held a fundraiser every day. for St. Seton while repairing damages of its own. While insurance will cover the costly damages, the One of the bulletin boards near Seton’s courtyard school is trying to recoup its $100,000 deductible to that was spared damage is lined with letters of support make other repairs that have long plagued it. Years of and drawings sent from a school in Hawaii. quick fixes left the 36-year-old school more vulnerable In Irma’s aftermath, Seton students created an art when Irma struck as a Category 2 hurricane on Sept. 10. project that involved coloring and branding rocks with The rebuilding plan is to place all the students in the #SetonStrong motto and placing them throughout portable classrooms so repairs and enhancements can the community. The project caught the attention of the be done simultaneously. It could take several months Naples Daily News, which ran a feature story about the to complete all the work. positive vibes the project spread through the city. PenTab students and staff and Step Up and Breakthru representatives joined celebrated Breakthru’s Despite all this, Niebuhr remains impressed by the St. Elizabeth Seton is battered, but Niebuhr says its support on Jan. 19. resilience of her students. spirit cannot be broken. “The children become immune to it, but it’s sad,” she “Everyone here cares about each other,” she says. our Step Up families, we thank Breakthru Beverage for its continued says. “We’ve got to move forward with all of this.” “The heart of the school is in each and every one of commitment and generosity.” Annabel Krystaszek is a bright-eyed, 8-year-old these teachers and students. We are Seton Strong The announcement was made at PenTab Academy in Miami, which in Erin Lanigan’s third-grade class. Her family had regardless of what happens here. We have pride in serves pre-K through eighth-grade students. More than half of its 260 no power for a week and lost a big tree in her yard; who we are.” students use Step Up For Students scholarships. Annabel loved the tree. To deal with the stifling heat, “At PenTab Academy, our goal is to educate the whole child – her family left their doors and windows open. academically, emotionally and spiritually. Many of our families could “It felt weird being out of school,” Annabel says. “I not afford a private school education for their children without the help was happy to get math and spelling homework.” Will you “taximize”? of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Step Up For Students,” said Adaora Obidiegwu, 12, said Irma was the first More than 200 corporate partners committed Barbara Sharpe, PenTab Academy principal. “We are grateful to Breakthru hurricane she has experienced. The seventh-grader over $600 million to Step Up in 2017. With Beverage Florida for being a leader and giving back to our community.” said her family lost power for about three weeks. nearly 104,000 students on scholarship for the “I was scared when the storm came,” she says. “I 2017-18 school year, Step Up is serving more didn’t like being out of school much. It was a little bit students than ever. Follow Us: of a break, but I missed it.” Irma might have battered Seton, but the school’s When companies invest in our program, spirit has not been dampened. Upon returning to they make a lasting impact on the lives of school, every child received a yellow #SetonStrong hard scholarship students and inspire a brighter future through personalized education. hat. A relaxed dress code on Fridays allows students to “Taximize” is the word we’ve coined to describe wear jeans and their #SetonStrong T-shirts. how a company can optimize its tax liability www.facebook.com/stepup4students In the spirit of solidarity, several Catholic schools to invest in underprivileged students through www.twitter.com/StepUp4Students across the country, including some as far away as dollar-for-dollar tax credits. Will you taximize? www.instagram.com/stepup4students This is the official newsletter Illinois and Connecticut, have “adopted” Seton and www.linkedin.com/company/florida- for Step Up For Students, have raised money for its cause. An anonymous Call 866-344-9553 for more information. 4 school-choice-fund published four times a year. California benefactor sent a $5,000 check, while St.